“The incident followed an engagement with an insurgent: there were no civilians involved,” the statement said.

“The investigation will now be taken forward and dealt with by the Service Justice system. These arrests demonstrate the Department and the Armed Forces' determination to ensure UK personnel act in accordance with their Rules of Engagement and our standards. It would be inappropriate to make any further comment while the investigation is under way."

The ministry statement did not name the marines or give any further details of the incident.